It was an incredibly frustrating afternoon for Mick McGraa’s men after the boss had admitted that his form in the competition had been ‘embarrassing’ having failed to win any of his games in it at Vauxhall.
The hosts opened the scoring just before the whistle blew for the break as Ben Elliott struck from twelve yards out, Thomas Schofield pouncing on an error in the Motors midfield.
However, the visitors had started the tie strongly. Connor Harwood shooting ‘high and handsome’ from 25 yards out.
The Motormen had the clearest chance of the game before Elliott’s goal when midfielder Sam Hughes ran clear before being thwarted by Andrew Jones.
The resulting corner came to nothing and their fortunes were made worse, on the hour mark, when full-back Ethan Gouldbourne was sent off for a late tackle on Billy Matthews deep in Shed territory.
McGraa made a few changes with the game still to be won as Ben Dufton-Kelly and Joe Brandon replaced Lewis Buckley and Stephen Rigby.
However, West sealed the tie when the referee pointed to the spot in added time. Darren McKnight made no mistake from here as goalkeeper Sam Booth was sent the wrong way.
A 2-0 win for West sees them progress through to the Preliminary Round and they will face Prescot Cables at home on Saturday 19th August.
Vauxhall turn their attention to their league season, which starts next weekend at home to Witton Albion.
All support for The Motors is appreciated thus we look forward to seeing you at The VanEupen Arena!
West Didsbury, managed by Chris Rowley: Andrew Jones, Rhian Hellawell, Callum Graham, Thomas Scholfield, Matthew Smyth, Markell Foulds, Lewis Billingsley, Darren McKnight, Benjamin Elliott (75’), Rhian Davis (95’), Billy Matthews (73’). SUBS: Laurence Taylor (95’), Lee Grimshaw (75’), Max Lewews, Ezekiel Eme (73’), Connor Hancock, Liam Delaney, Jack Raines.
Vauxhall Motors, managed by Mick McGraa: Sam Booth, Ethan Gouldbourne, Sean Smith, Sam Hughes (75’), Adam Hughes, Bobbie Beaumont, Michael Burkey, Haydn Cooper, Lewis Buckley (69’), Stephen Rigby (69’), Conor Harwood. SUBS: Ben Dufton-Kelly (69’), Sean Moscrop, Jordan Deer, George Nugent, Ally Hughes, Ben Holmes (75’), Joe Brandon (69’).
Attendance: 537.
Referee: Andrew Wood.